What your kids are eating at school

CaptionYoung kids take their lunch break

ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Energy is essential for keeping students actively engaged and doing their best in school. This means consuming the right amount of calories is vital. Calories should not dip below 517 for preschoolers, 664 for students in kindergarten through grade six, and 825 for students in grades seven through 12.

Energy is essential for keeping students actively engaged and doing their best in school. This means consuming the right amount of calories is vital. Calories should not dip below 517 for preschoolers, 664 for students in kindergarten through grade six, and 825 for students in grades seven through 12. (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

CaptionA four-year-old student gets his afternoon protein from a sandwich

Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Protein and vitamins are an essential part of a kid's diet: they provide the amino acid "building blocks" necessary to grow up healthy and strong. According to the USDA's Enhanced Menu Planning Approach for school lunches, students in preschool should get at least seven grams of protein and 14 milligrams of vitamin C. Students in kindergarten through grade six require at least 10 grams of protein and 15 milligrams of vitamin C. Students in grades seven through 12 require at least 16 grams of protein and 18 milligrams of vitamin C.

Protein and vitamins are an essential part of a kid's diet: they provide the amino acid "building blocks" necessary to grow up healthy and strong. According to the USDA's Enhanced Menu Planning Approach for school lunches, students in preschool should get at least seven grams of protein and 14 milligrams of vitamin C. Students in kindergarten through grade six require at least 10 grams of protein and 15 milligrams of vitamin C. Students in grades seven through 12 require at least 16 grams of protein and 18 milligrams of vitamin C. (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

The dog may be eating their homework, but what are your kids eating at school? Providing healthy school lunches is sometimes a challenge for schools, but the USDA has issued a series of guidelines and tips to make sure students are getting the brain food they need. We've collected these tips to help parents and teachers keep students well-fueled for a new school year.